Previous studies of anthropometric factors and ovarian cancer risk have been inconsistent and none have evaluated the association among African–American women. Data from a population-based, case–control study of 593 cases and 628 controls were used to evaluate ovarian cancer risk in relation to weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed and established risk factors were adjusted for using logistic regression models, stratified by race. Among all races, weight at age 18, WHR, weight and BMI one year prior to interview were associated with elevated ovarian cancer risk. When stratified by race, the association between WHR and ovarian was similar among Whites and among African Americans. However, African–American women in the fourth quartile of height had an elevated risk of ovarian cancer (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.3–7.8), but this risk was not apparent in Whites (OR = 1.0; 95% CI? = 0.7–1.4). These findings support the hypothesis that obesity is an important risk factor of ovarian cancer among African–Americans and Whites and also suggest that height may be a risk factor specific to African–Americans.
